Sufi Musical Night mesmerises audience

KARACHI: Sufi Musical Night, a musical extravaganza sponsored by Sindh Festival, was held at Old Polo Ground on Friday night where audience witnessed a great mix of Sufi and folk music.A large gathering of music enthusiasts enjoyed performances by living legends who created a fusion of different threads of Sufi music.Sufi Musical Night is an attempt to bring the best musical evenings that one would not want to miss. Special Assistant to Sindh Chief Minister and Member Provincial Assembly Sharmila Farooqi also graced the event with her presence.Renowned singers, who performed in the Sufi Musical Night, included Sanam Marvi, Ali Haider and Mohan Bhagat. However, the evening commenced with Anwar Zardari`s song ‘Sufi je saaz khe samjhan te dukhiyo aa’. He mesmerised the audience through a well-known piece ‘Hin janam hun wachan tho kayan’. This followed Mohan Bhagat’s performance who brought alive the magic of the traditional pieces of music.Entertaining performances by artist Ali Haider, who returned to music world after a gap of four years, gave the attendees of the event a musical experience to remember. Ali Haider’s fusion performance on ‘Sufi version’ of ‘Purani jeans’ was an audio-visual treat for the audience. ‘Ho Sainya Ho’ served as the perfect platform for Ali to show spectators what inspires and ignites his music and passions.Sanam Marvi presented a flawless performance on Sufi music. The leading folk and Sufi singer enthralled the audience with a mélange of folk and Sufi music like ‘’Mahi Yaar Dee Gharoli’ and “Natho Jo Sindh Lae Lare’.Marvi took the audience through a journey of memorable melody from Sufi music by ‘Lal Meri Pat Rakhiyo Bhala Jhole Lalan’.“I came here to see Abida Parveen, but it was disappointed to know that she would not perform,” said Shereen Soomro, one of the attendants. “If she is not supposed to perform, what is the purpose to carry her picture in Sufi Night’s advertisement,” added a dejected Soomro. On the other hand, her younger sister Iqra Abdul Sattar was jubilant by the performances. “Lights are amazing and performances are superb. I am loving it,” said Iqra.Among spectators was music enthusiast Col (r) Hafeez. “Arrangements are good, so is the atmosphere. A well organised event,” Hafeez said. His son Shamsullah was enthusiastic too. “First time I have watched Ali Haider performing live. It is amazing,” said young Shams, a student of class eight.The highlights of the concert also included the mysterious, soulful sounds of Sufi beat of Pappu Sain, whose dhol music took the listeners to the spiritual journey.